Membership by Invitation Only

Clearness Committee

Information

Since 2011, several members of the Appamada Sangha have regularly convened to create a Clearness Committee (originally a Quaker process) based on the form and insights of Parker Palmer in his book, A Hidden Wholeness.

What is a Clearness Committee?

Are you holding an important question about your life or work that you have been longing to unravel? Or perhaps you have the desire or curiosity to deepen your understanding of your personal journey? If this resonates with you, a Clearness Committee may be called to gather in support of your curiosity and/or decision making. From 3-11 trained committee members will gather with you, holding the understanding that every person has within him or her their own inherent wisdom, rather than necessarily seeking direct advice or guidance. Committee members commit to deep listening, asking honest and open questions and avoid advice-giving and amateur psychoanalysis. The committee will never offer any suggestions for solutions or next steps. Our aspiration is for the shy soul to come forward in a safe and loving space and find it’s own truth. We also commit to double confidentiality. Nothing about your personal process will be discussed afterwards--not between members or others or even with you, unless you request to do so.

Who can call a Clearness Committee? The convening of the clearness committee for a 2-hour engagement of hearts, can be requested by anyone inside or outside the Appamada sangha.

Appamada is not just the occasional mindful thought or attentive state of mind, it’s actually a commitment to being attentive. It’s more than just a meditative state of mind, it’s more than just being mindful. It has to do with that primary ethical or moral orientation we have in life, with which we bring into being whatever activity we’re engaged in. Whether in formal meditation, in our interactions with other people, in our social concerns, or in our political choices, it’s the energetic cherishing of what we regard as good.